My practice explores the sociological contexts of personal identity from different vantage points. I draw from my environment to look at the ways in which we identify ourselves as individuals, as others perceive us, within the context of a family and on the larger stage of a global society. Looking at identity as a “cultural currency” that we may choose to re-imagine from time to time, I create narratives to investigate what lies beneath the surface of an encounter or situation. I am energized by subjects that are as idiosyncratic, imperfect, improvisational and rhythmic as life, that provide the viewer a lyric that doesn’t feel short-lived—merely commentary. Along with portraits, I explore issues related to identity, gender, community, politics, new definitions of family and family dynamics when faced with death and inheritance.

Bio/Resume

Leslie Kerby, born in 1954, lives and works in Brooklyn. She received a B.A. in American Studies from Randolph Macon Woman's College. Leslie has studied at the Art Students League, Spring Street Studios, Lower East Side Printshop and completed a printmaking residency at the School of Visual Arts. Leslie exhibits her work throughout the country at small museums and galleries. Her work is in the permanent collections at Columbia University and the State University of Arkansas. Curators from MoMA and the Walker Art Center have awarded Leslie two purchase prizes in the annual Delta Small Prints Exhibition. Leslie’s work is also represented in numerous private collections in the United States, England and Holland. Her work can be viewed at http://www.lesliekerby.com